Cruise Logs

5th April 2016 - Flavours of Scotland

Scotland is rightly proud of its reputation for its wonderful natural larder and those who provide mouth-watering creations. Join us as we explore the wonderful culinary offerings of the Highlands and Islands.

11th April

This morning we sampled the distinctive, peaty malt whiskies at Laphroaig and enjoyed a tour of the distillery to learn about the traditional methods, ancient skills and dedication to quality which are employed there.

After lunch on board we ventured ashore to the historic site of Finlaggan, once seat of the Lord of the Isles and Clan Donald. The information centre at Finlaggan contains numerous artefacts which have been discovered on the site during archaeological excavations.

10th April

This morning we cruised south to the Isle of Colonsay to meet Andrew Abrahams in the village hall, for a talk and tasting of his oysters and honey. Andrew has been supplying his award winning oysters to Hebrdean Princess for a number of years.

Colonsay Wildflower Honey is unique, not only because of its taste, but because of its provenance, as bees and quality honey are something of a rarity on small, windswept islands.

We continued our journey south and berthed alongside tonight in Port Ellen. Islay.

9th April

This morning was spent relaxing on board as we cruised to Loch Harport, Isle of Skye, for lunch at the Three Chimneys Restaurant.

During the late afternoon and early evening we sailed to our overnight anchorage off the west coast of Mull.

8th April

From our overnight anchorage in Bloody Bay we sailed to Armadale on the Isle of Skyle for lunch and a cookery demonstration at the Kinloch Lodge Hotel.

When all guests were safely back on board we sailed to Kyle of Lochalsh for an afternoon visit to Eilean Donan Castle.

We remained alongside at Kyle of Lochalsh overnight.

7th April

Today we enjoyed a tour of Dunstaffnage Castle. Built before 1275 on a huge rock overlooking the Firth of Lorn, Dunstaffnage was the mighty stronghold of the MacDougalls. The castle, with its huge curtain wall, was captured by Robert the Bruce in 1309 and remained in royal possession for some years. Dunstaffnage became the temporary prison of Flora MacDonald in 1746.

Prior to lunch at the Michelin Starred Isle of Eriska restaurant we also visited the Ocean Explorer Centre.

Chief Purser Dave Indge took this photo of Ralph McLeary (normally one of our walking guides on the Footloose cruises) as he was driving one of buses from Benderloch to the Isle of Eriska Hotel.

6th April

We spent the day in Tobermory where guests explored the town on foot in the morning. First Officer Caz Palmer is pictured with the Tobermory Cat, a local literary hero!

In the afternoon guests learnt about traditional farmhouse cheese making at the Isle of Mull Cheese Farm.

5th April

Guests embarked in Oban this evening at the start of their culinary adventure and we cruised the Sound of Mull to our overnight anchorage in Tobermory Bay.